Category: Uncategorized

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Five-story pagoda

    Hiroshima in One Day: Five-story pagoda

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:40 Meet up at Hiroshima Station Shinkansen platform
    • 9:20 Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park
    •   Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
    • 11:50 Lunch 
    • 13:00 Arrive at Miyajima, visit Itsukushima Shrine,
    • 14:00 Five-story pagoda
    •    Omotesando shopping street
    • 15:00 Ferry, JR
    • 15:50 Disband at Hiroshima Station

    Title: What Is a Private Day Trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. They arrived in the morning by shinkansen from Kyoto and planned to return to Osaka by shinkansen in the evening. After confirming the time of their return shinkansen, we started the tour. We began at the Atomic Bomb Dome in the Peace Memorial Park, then visited the Peace Memorial Museum, and finally Itsukushima Shrine. They had experienced rain every day in Tokyo, and Mount Fuji had been hidden by clouds, so they were delighted with the good weather in Hiroshima. At Itsukushima Shrine, the contrast between the blue sky and sea and the red color of the shrine was wonderful, and everyone was smiling throughout. The guests were interested in many things, and with a small group we were able to have deep conversations about Japanese customs and religion as well as their own family history. Although it was a day trip, they went home very satisfied, which made me happy.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Hiroshima150JPY
    Section 2BusPeace Memorial Park~Koi220JPY
    Section 3TrainNishi-Hiroshima~Miyajimaguchi330JPY
    Section 4TrainMiyajimaguchi~Hiroshima420JPY
    Total1,120JPY

    My name is Yuka Yoshida. I am a Hiroshima Government Licensed Guide Interpreter. I was born and raised in Tokyo. I lived in the U.K. and the U.S. for 10 years, when I had chances to travel different cities in those countries, as well as India, Ghana, Canada. I had wonderful experiences in different cultures and environments there. Since I moved to Hiroshima 18 years ago, I was intrigued by this city, especially Miyajima Island. I love outdoors and playing tennis. I started working as a tourist guide in 2024. I am passionate and enthusiastic about working as a guide, because it gives me enjoyable opportunities of meeting and talking with people and learning new things. I used to work in an elementary school for 13 years as an English teacher. It was a wonderland where classroom atmosphere changed every year so much. With this background, I am versatile to adapt myself to any situations and flexibly accommodate guest’s requests. As a guide, I frequently visit monuments in the Peace Memorial Park, including the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum, and the magnificent Itsukushima shrine on Miyajima Island.

    Let me tell you briefly about Hiroshima. Hiroshima prefecture is located in western Japan, facing the Seto Inland Sea to the south. There is a famous Japanese garden, Shukkeien Garden in the middle of the city. It was built as a garden for the villa of Nagaakira Asano, the lord of Hiroshima Castle during the early Edo period (1603-1868). You will be surprised to see how peaceful and relaxing the garden is when you browse there. It’s not a huge garden, but it presents a wonderful landscape of a traditional Japanese garden and different beautiful colors every season.

    Hiroshima prefecture is unique, having two World Heritage Sites.

    One of them is the Atomic Bomb Dome. As you can see, Hiroshima is a city of many attractions today, but it is also the place where the world’s first atomic bomb was used on August 6, 1945, near the end of the World War II. The atomic bombing destroyed Hiroshima City completely, killing approximately 140,000 people that was about 40 percent of Hiroshima’s population at that time by the end of 1945. You will be amazed at how the city of Hiroshima has been rebuilt since then. Our tour will visit the monuments in the Peace Memorial Park and provide you with rich information that you cannot find in any guidebook.

    By joining this visit, I am sure that you will better understand why the people of Hiroshima hope for the peaceful world so fervently.
    The other World Heritage Site is Itsukushima Shrine. The entire island of Miyajima is one of the three most beautiful scenic spots in Japan. It is a very popular tourist attraction in the Seto Inland Sea area which is also designated as a national park for its beauty. Itsukushima Shrine has a long history going back to the 6th century. It is very unique and outstanding architecture which attracted people from the ancient time. The shrine and the Big Gate, O-torii, are must-sees.

    Regarding food, Hiroshima offers delicious oysters. On Miyajima Island, you can enjoy shopping on the Omotesando street (a main street) which gives you opportunities to eat out, not only grilled oysters but also some local sweets, such as Momiji-manju (that is like a sponge cake sweets with a shape of maple leaf), lemon beverages and so on. Another delicacy is Okonomiyaki, savory pancakes with a lot of vegetables with your choice of numerous toppings which you should definitely try.

    I truly hope that your trip in Hiroshima will be a memorable one. I am so thrilled and delighted to see that every guest is satisfied with this tour. Please feel free to contact me for your customized tour. I will do my best to make your tour very special and memorable for your lifetime.

    Mar 30, 2026
    m2k0pp
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Excellent Hiroshima Experience!
    Very interesting full day with guide…

    Sep 29, 2025
    414elizeh
    Excellent tour guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Miyajima Half-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yuka made our outing a perfect day of…

    Apr 1, 2025
    samwcook21
    Great day in Hirsoshima
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Yuka was great! We enjoyed…

    Oct 18, 2024
    jreiter100
    Inspirational Day in Hiroshima
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    We thoroughly enjoyed our half day…

  • Osaka in Half a Day: Tombori River Cruise

    Osaka in Half a Day: Tombori River Cruise

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meet up @Zentis Osaka
    • 11:00 Tombori River Cruise
    • 11:25 Stroll: Dotonbori area
    • 13:30 Disband @Umeda Sky Building

    Title: What's a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Dotonbori River Cruise and Umeda Sky Building The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. In our correspondence beforehand, they said they very much wanted to experience the Tombori River Cruise, so we first headed to the ticket counter to secure tickets, but there was already quite a long line of people. On behalf of the guests, I waited in line for about 40 minutes and managed to get tickets for the first departure. After that, we walked around the Dotonbori area and through Osaka before heading to the Umeda Sky Building, where there was also a considerable line of people. Since they had told me from the start that it would be fine to part ways there, I saw them purchase their tickets and then ended the tour. They were grateful for the small attentions along the way.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayNishi-Umeda~Namba240JPY
    Section 2SubwayNamba~Umeda240JPY
    Total480JPY

    Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

    Jul 13, 2025
    H2enjoy
    Wonderful Day Trip to Mt. Koya from the Osaka Cruise Terminal
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure)…

    Jun 20, 2025
    zoranm709
    Kyoto great tour experience.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was…

    Jun 18, 2025
    Adventurer310309
    Cool surprises on our Osaka and Kyoto tours with Hiro.
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    My wife…

    May 26, 2025
    SK G
    Excellent tour
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable…

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet at Kyoto Station Shinkansen Exit 8:50 Fushimi Inari 10:30 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 11:15 Short Break 12:30 Kinkaku-ji 14:00 Nishiki Market 15:00 Yasaka Pagoda 
    • 15:20 Kiyomizu-dera~Sannen-zaka~Ninen-zaka~Ishibei-koji~Yasaka Shrine 16:40 Tour Ends

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Day Trip from Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited Japan from North America. One of the guests had been to Japan about 16 years earlier and had visited Kyoto, but did not seem to remember it. They came from Tokyo to Kyoto on an early morning bullet train for a one-day trip. Having just arrived in Japan the day before, and expecting their luggage might increase, they did almost no shopping. Both of the guests enjoyed taking photographs, so I guided them to the best photo spots in each location, and they took a great many pictures. Since they had a dinner reservation in Gion from 6:00, I guided them to Yasaka Shrine before ending the tour. The photos were taken in Arashiyama.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainRanden Arashiyama~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 4BusKitano-Hakubaicho~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi~Kitaoji Bus Terminal230JPY
    Section 6SubwayKitaoji~Shijo260JPY
    Section 7BusShijo-Kawaramachi~Kiyomizu-michi230JPY
    Total1,590JPY

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Sep 28, 2026
    Miguel_E
    Amazing Service
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a wonderful time with Kazuo.…

    Sep 27, 2026
    T
    TrailBlazer47194
    Kazuo Sumi is a great guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Our guide Kazuo Sumi…

    Sep 1, 2026
    Steve6172014
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    We had a great tour…

    Aug 7, 2026
    Pascale_Q
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Very good private tour of Kyoto with Kazuo
    We had…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku Kabukicho

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku Kabukicho

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 Meet up @ Love Sunshine Backpackers (2-19-1 Nishi-Asakusa, Taito-ku)
    • 9:20 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 9:50 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:50 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 11:50 Lunch @ Ippudo Harakado
    • 13:20 Shinjuku Gyoen
    • 14:20 Shinjuku Kabukicho
    • 14:40 Disband @ Shinjuku Station

    What Is a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, and Shinjuku The guests were a group from Europe and Asia. The plan had originally been for a larger group, but one member did not travel to Japan. The group had stayed in Asia for about two weeks before coming, and planned to stay in Tokyo before returning to Europe. At Meiji Shrine, the group seemed deeply impressed by the quiet and solemn atmosphere, so different from Shibuya. They also listened with great interest to explanations about the differences between shrines and temples. On Takeshita Street, some of the guests showed interest in various shops and animal cafes. At Shinjuku Gyoen, they enjoyed the beautiful Japanese garden. In Shinjuku's Kabukicho, they were fascinated by the Godzilla Head and the three-dimensional cat screen. Since the guests said they could shop in Shinjuku and return to their hotel on their own, we parted ways in front of Shinjuku Station. I responded to the guests' requests as they wished, so I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayTawaramachi~Shibuya600JPY
    Section 2TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 3SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shinjuku-gyoemmae0JPY
    Total750JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Sep 27, 2026
    jonaJ5014ZK
    Walking tour of Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Seizo was a tremendously fabulous…

    Sep 11, 2026
    M7402TTsharonp
    Higly recommend
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Had an amazing tour with Seizi Kaminto.…

    Sep 8, 2026
    OnAir57127583503
    Amazing Experience with Kamakura Day Tour
    Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
    We had an excellent time with Seizo Kamiuto as our…

    Sep 4, 2026
    B2319ZKjoseo
    Pleasant stroll through HISTORY
    Tripadvisor review: Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    We had a great time learning about…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tokyo in One Day: Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hotel New Otani Tokyo The Main meeting point
    • 8:35 Commemorative photo in front of the Hachiko statue in Shibuya, Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 9:15 Meiji Shrine
    • 10:10 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 12:15 The National Art Center, Tokyo
    • 13:15 Akihabara
    • 14:15 Dismissal at Akihabara retro game store "Super Potato" 4th floor

    Title: What Can a Private Tokyo Tour Cover in One Day? A Licensed Guide's Report on Roppongi and Akihabara The guests were visitors from North America. The day before yesterday they enjoyed a tour around Hakone, including a ride on the pirate ship, and yesterday they visited the Shinjuku area, where they took commemorative photos in front of the 3D cat and the Godzilla head. They planned to stay in Tokyo until Wednesday, after which they would spend a few days in Okinawa where they had friends. Each of the guests had different interests, so I planned an itinerary that would satisfy everyone in the group. One was interested in architecture and "potatoes," another in retro film-loading cameras and "Sonic," and another in retro games. By visiting the National Art Center, Tokyo, FUJIFILM SQUARE in Midtown, and "Super Potato," a retro game shop in Akihabara, I was able to meet the guests' requests.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainTokyo Metro Ginza Line Akasaka-mitsuke Station~Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Shibuya Station180JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Yamanote Line Shibuya Station~JR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station150JPY
    Section 3TrainTokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae 〈Harajuku〉 Station~Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nogizaka Station180JPY
    Section 4TrainTokyo Metro Hibiya Line Roppongi Station~Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Akihabara Station210JPY
    Total720JPY

    Hello (Konnichiwa). My name is Masanori SUGANO. Most of my friends call me Bruce, so you can call me Bruce. It would be my pleasure to act as a guide for you as I have been a guide for over twenty years. I curate my tours to suit your quest for knowledge and make you laugh with Dad jokes as an ice breaker. I can add some of my experiences as seasoning since I’m a seasoned guide. I always gain a new perspective through my guests’ eyes, and that’s why I am passionate about my job.
    You can create your own itinerary, and when we meet, you can let me know what things you want to see. I am very flexible and can go off the beaten track on your request.
    Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to meeting you.
    Thank you (Arigatou-gozaimasu).

    Aug 25, 2026
    T8432CMjeffr
    6 hr Tokyo tour with Bruce
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    The tour was…

    Aug 5, 2026
    Polly1818
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Bruce was the best !! 5⭐️
    Bruce was our…

    Aug 3, 2026
    AJEDav
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide
    Bruce Sagano was terrific! He was very…

    Jul 2, 2026
    jamespmccormick
    Tripadvisor review: The Best Family-Friendly Tokyo Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Great Tokyo tour with Bruce!
    We booked a 6 hour…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:15 Meet at Hyatt Regency Kyoto (guest arriving late) → 10:00 Kyoto Imperial Palace → 11:25 Break at Kyoto Imperial Palace Cafe SASAYAIORI → 13:00 Nanzenji Temple → 14:30 Heian Shrine Garden → 15:15 Farewell at Heian Shrine

    Title: What Is a Private History and Garden Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests love Japan and were visiting for the third time since the pandemic, and they seemed very knowledgeable about Japanese culture and history. However, they mentioned that although they had been to many places on previous visits, they could not grasp the overall picture of the country's history, and wished to understand the connections better, so I made an effort to explain things in a way that linked events together. While part of the group was fond of history, another was more drawn to the beautiful gardens and took many photographs. The autumn foliage had just begun to appear a little, and they shared that there is no such season in their home region of North America, saying they found it very beautiful and moving.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShichijo~Imadegawa430JPY
    Section 2SubwayMarutamachi~Keage260JPY
    Total690JPY

    Hi! Thank you for choosing us. I am very glad to be assigned as your guide, and to help you have a good time in Japan. While you are in Japan, I would like you to try some sweets (if you are allowed by the doctor, of course). There are so many kinds, but among them, I would like to recommend Ice cream, even in autumn or winter (enjoyable in a warm room). Have you ever tried a kind of ice cream, which is called Soft Cream in Japan? It’s much softer and creamier than usual ice cream, and sold in many varieties of flavor. Matcha flavour ones are easily found, or chocolate ones, but also they sell local flavors to boost the sales of their local products. To name some, delicious fruit flavours such as yuzu (citrus) or grapes, or strange ones with wasabi (a bit spicy and fragrant) or miso (usually used for salty soups, but tastes like caramel when it is sweetened). Shaved ice is good, too. I have an ice shaving machine in my house, but I wouldn’t bring it to a tour. I look forward to seeing you and helping you enjoy your day in Japan!

    Oct 17, 2025
    maggiesL3053CQ
    A day in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaori Matsumura was very knowledgeable and easy to…

    Oct 5, 2025
    Brian_B
    Kyoto with Kaori
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Kaori was incredible. We had…

    Aug 28, 2025
    jmnTravel
    Learning About Ise Shrines
    Tripadvisor review: Ise Jingu(Ise Grand Shrine) Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very good tour to the…

    Jun 9, 2025
    Mobile08859304969
    Superstar Guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaori was an absolute superstar guide. She corresponded with us…

  • Osaka in One Day: pick you up at the Tempozan & leave)

    Osaka in One Day: pick you up at the Tempozan & leave)

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:30 pick you up at the Tempozan (Osaka port terminal)
    •   (take subway)
    • 9:00 Osaka Castle (entrance fee 600JPY/person)
    • 10:00 Main tower of Osaka
    • 11:00 (leave by train and subway)
    • 11:40 Shinsekai (Tsutenkaku Tower)
    • we have Osaka local food for lunch
    • 13:30 (take subway)
    • 13:50 Dotonbori (Ebisu bashi Bridge – mizu kake fudo statue in Hozenji yokocho )
    • 14:50 (leave)
    • 15:30 return to the Tenpozan (port of Osaka)

    What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, and Dotonbori 1. The guests were visitors from North America, and we quickly got into a lively conversation about a Major League Baseball game from the previous day. 2. Since the elevator at Osaka Castle was under renovation, we climbed the stairs from the 1st floor to the 8th floor and enjoyed the view of Osaka from the observation deck. 3. We had lunch in Shinsekai, where the guests enjoyed beef, kushikatsu, yakitori, tempura, and more. 4. In Shinsekai, the guests had fun with the gachagacha capsule machines and purchased a colorful shirt, saying they planned to wear it to dinner that evening. 5. In Dotonbori, the guests enjoyed Kobe beef kushikatsu.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherOsaka Castle Gokurakubashi Station~Morinomiya400JPY
    Total400JPY

    Hello, I’m HIDEo YOSHIda. Please call me HIDEYOSHI, the same name as a famous shogun who unified Japan for the first time in 1590.
    I was born in Kobe, worked in Osaka for nearly 40 years. I would like to introduce you Kansai region, including Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Wakayama.
    In Kyoto, I can guide you Nijojo Castle, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Tempe (Golden Pavilion), Gion area, and Fushimi Inari Taisha.
    In Osaka, I’ll show you Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori, and Umeda Sky biilding. We have locall foods such as Kushikatau, Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki.
    In Kobe, I’ll take you to former foreign residential area, Sannomiya Shopping Street, Chinese Market, and Arima Onsen.
    In Nara, I’ll guide you Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, and Yakushiji Temple.
    In Wakayama, I take you to Koyasan, the center of Esoteric Buddhism.
    I enjoy guiding foreign tourists.
    I can show you Japanese history, especially samurai period, and Shinto and Buddhism.
    I’ve been looking forward to guiding you !!

    Jun 1, 2026
    Stephan_F
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great overview of the…
    Great overview of the highlights of Kyoto with…

    May 28, 2025
    terrym866
    Kyoto guided tour was as promised. Very knowledgeable guide and driver .
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Kobe with…

    Oct 17, 2024
    katiya2017
    Walking visit in Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Government-Licensed Guide
    We booked a full day walking…

    Sep 29, 2024
    Roy_M
    Excellent tour of Kyoto
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a very good private tour with…

  • Hiroshima in Half a Day: JR Shin-Hakushima & Omotesando Shopping

    Hiroshima in Half a Day: JR Shin-Hakushima & Omotesando Shopping

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:45@Hotel Suite Hiroshima Hakushima
    • 13:34@JR Shin-Hakushima
    • 13:58@JR Miyajimaguchi
    • 14:10@Miyajima Port
    • 14:30@Itsukushima Shrine – Daigan-ji Temple
    • 15:45 Lunch@Suihaso
    • 16:45@Omotesando Shopping Street
    • 17:00@JR Miyajimaguchi
    • 17:30@JR Shin-Hakushima Station
    • 17:45 Disband@Intersection in front of the hotel

    What Is a Private Miyajima Island Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests visited from Europe. The day before, they had gone to Koyasan, and since they could not walk long distances, they wanted to relax on the island. They were not very interested in shopping either. So we went out to the beach, enjoyed the sea breeze while walking, and I guided them slowly through Itsukushima Shrine. Even the tour of the grounds of Daiganji Temple was done while sitting on a bench. Since they wished to have a relaxed meal, I introduced them to a quiet restaurant where they could enjoy a traditional Japanese atmosphere. On the tatami floor of an old traditional house, they ordered a Japanese set meal and Miyajima beer. They said it was delicious and finished everything. Because of the time of day, I chose shaved ice rather than a meal, but the guests insisted, so they treated me. They even gave me a lovely keychain souvenir from Europe. Feeling that it would not be right to only receive, I gave them chopsticks engraved with their name as a token of thanks, which they were delighted with. At Miyajima, it seemed they had come expecting a quiet, remote island where they could relax, but everywhere was crowded, and some of the guests looked especially disappointed. As someone used to it, I felt it was still relatively calm since it was before the high season. However, the boat, the approach, and the shrine were all packed with people, and there was a long line at the gate. Since there were mostly visitors from overseas, it seems that conditions will remain difficult for a while for those who wish to quietly enjoy the uniquely Japanese atmosphere.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainJR Shin-Hakushima Station~JR Miyajimaguchi Station330JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Miyajimaguchi~JR Shin-Hakushima Station330JPY
    Total660JPY

    Hello! My name is Miyoko Akashi, and I’d be delighted to be your guide. I’ve been working as a tour guide for eight years.

    I was born in Nagoya and have lived in Hiroshima for about 40 years, so I know the Seto Inland Sea region very well.
    Before becoming a guide, I taught English, mainly to high school students, for many years and was actively involved in international exchange programs.

    In my free time, I enjoy photography and running.  I’ve traveled all over Japan to take photographs and participate in marathon races, and I always enjoy discovering new places and meeting new people.

    I look forward to sharing the beauty, history, and culture of this wonderful region with you.

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:00 Meet up @ Hotel Kyoto
    • 2. 10:30 Guided tour of Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 3. 12:30 Guided tour of the bamboo grove
    • 4. 13:00 Guided tour around Kameyama Park (Hozu River, Togetsukyo Bridge)
    • 6. 13:30 Lunch @ Tenryu Ramen
    • 7. 14:15 Guided tour of Kinkaku-ji
    • 8. 15:00 Guided tour of the Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 9. 15:45 Disband @ Hotel Kyoto

    Title: What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji The guests were a group visiting from North America. We met on time at the Hotel and began sightseeing along the itinerary decided during our prior discussions: Fushimi Inari Taisha, the bamboo grove, Kinkaku-ji, the Imperial Palace, and Gion. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, a festival was taking place, and the approach was so crowded that even cars could not pass. Most of the visitors were travelers from overseas, but I guided the group through the crowded grounds, and after they enjoyed the Senbon Torii, we made our way back down. We moved from Fushimi Inari Taisha to Arashiyama by arranged car. During the ride, one of the guests kept yawning, likely from fatigue caused by the time difference. At the bamboo grove, I guided the group to Nonomiya Shrine, and after enjoying the tunnel of bamboo and walking through Kameyama Park, we headed down to the Hozu River, where we had lunch at a nearby ramen restaurant as requested. After that, we went directly to Kinkaku-ji and I guided them there, but it was also extremely crowded, so much so that I could barely give explanations at a relaxed pace. Next, we moved to the Imperial Palace and I guided them through it, but at this point the guests began to show signs of tiredness. After the Imperial Palace we had planned to visit Gion, but since the guests were tired and wished to return to the Hotel to rest, we skipped Gion, returned from the Imperial Palace to the Hotel, and parted ways there.

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Osaka: Osaka Castle and stay there & Shitennoji Temple

    Osaka: Osaka Castle and stay there & Shitennoji Temple

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Pick up at Hotel Osaka
    • 10:00-12:00 Move to Osaka Castle and stay there.
    • 12:00-14:10 Dotonbori / Hozenji Yokocho Alley
    • 14:10-14:30 Namba Yasaka Shrine
    • 14:30-15:00 Tsutenkaku Tower
    • 15:00-15:45 Shitennoji Temple
    • 15:55 End of the tour at Hotel Osaka

    Can You Do a Private Car Tour of Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Shitennoji This was my first time guiding a private tour of Osaka by car, but thanks to a kind driver, we were able to get around smoothly. Because there are parking restrictions that do not allow the car to be left standing, we would arrange in advance where to be picked up after each sightseeing stop before moving on. It was comfortable, however, since there was no need to go up and down subway stairs, and the walking distances between stops were short. The travel agency had purchased the online ticket for Osaka Castle and sent it to the guests, but they could not find where it was, so we lost time going back to retrieve another phone and also going to buy an adapter, since the electrical outlet shape was different and the phone needed charging. In Dotonbori we stopped at a large electronics store, so I have included that time and the time spent having a light meal as part of the Dotonbori visit, but the guests also enjoyed looking around the large electronics store. One of the guests was interested in Japanese history and may have been studying it, as they knew the names of several warlords such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu. They listened enthusiastically to the story of the history of Osaka Castle. At Kuromon Market, where we briefly stopped, one of the guests was impressed by the size of the crabs and daikon radishes. In Namba we had a light meal and some sweets. Dietary needs made meals a bit challenging, but the guests said things like cake cream were fine and enjoyed them. We visited Namba Yasaka Shrine, Tsutenkaku, and Shitennoji in a hurry, mainly just taking photos rather than going inside for a detailed look. Since the guests valued taking family photos, I took many pictures for them.

    Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
    The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
    If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
    If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
    I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.

    Aug 17, 2026
    yasmintX6792FN
    Great trip
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    It was a great time and very interesting…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Shelley_E
    Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    There is much to do in…
    There is much to…

    May 28, 2026
    Duncan_R
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A Great Tour of Kyoto
    The tour was both very informative and…

    May 28, 2026
    ignaciosilenzi
    Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
    Miyuki was…